ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Piyush Goyal to lead Indian Delegation to World Economic Forum 2020
Commerce and Industry Minister to participate in WTO Informal Ministerial meeting in Davos
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry & Railways, Piyush Goyal, will lead the Indian delegation to the 50th World Economic Forum  at Davos from January 20th to 24th 2020. The Commerce and Industry Minister will participate in the WEF along with Union Minister of State for Shipping and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mansukh L. Mandaviya and Chief Ministers of the States of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, Finance Minister of Punjab and the IT Minister of Telangana. Secretary Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Invest India are also part of the delegation.
Commerce and Industry Minister will hold bilateral meetings with Ministers of Australia, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Korea and Singapore. He will also meet Director General of World Trade Organization and Secretary General of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development .
Apart from this Commerce and Industry Minister will hold bilateral meetings with CEOs of companies, attend WEF sessions and round tables on Accelerating Investments in Indian Railways and attracting Global Institutional Investments in India.
Commerce and Industry Minister will also participate in an informal WTO Ministerial gathering being held in Davos during this period.
The WEF annual meeting in Davos engages the world’s top leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of the year. The theme of the 2020 meeting is stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.
Special Service and Features
Income Tax department celebrates the 77th Independence Day
The 77th Independence Day was celebrated by the Income Tax Department, Chennai on 15th August, 2023 to commemorate the valour of our freedom fighters on independence with fervour.
The National Flag was hoisted by Shri. Sunil Mathur, IRS Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax & Director General of Income Tax , at Income Tax Office Campus, Chennai at 08.30 a.m. Retired Chief Commissioners of Income Tax, Senior Officers, Officials and family members of the Income Tax graced the occasion.
Shri. Sunil Mathur, Pr. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax & Director General of Income Tax  addressed the gathering and remembered the contribution and sacrifice of the forefathers to earn this freedom for all of us. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by our armed forces who guard the frontiers of our country day and night. He addressed that during the years, we have made technological advancements in the field of Information Technology, Space Technology and many other scientific areas. Our nation is considered as the fastest growing large economy and 5th largest economy in the world. Development of the nation requires resources and the Income Tax Department plays an important role in our country. The budget estimate of gross tax revenue of Central Government for the FY 2023-24 is 33.6 Lakh Crores, out of which the Direct Tax Collection is fixed at 18.3 Lakh Crores. Out of the total tax collection, 54% of tax revenue is contributed by the Income Tax Department. Along with the tax collection and taxpayer services, one of the Department’s part of functioning is to create a deterrence effect against tax evasion. To take action against tax evaders and instil the essence of confidence amongst the honest taxpayers, the Investigation Wing of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry region during FY 2022-23 has conducted 81 search and seizure operations in which Rs.170 crores of assets were seized. This consisted of seizure of cash of Rs.120 crores and Jewellery of Rs.50 crores. In this operation, an unaccounted income of Rs.5,200/- crore was also detected. The Pr. CCIT & DGIT appreciated the officers and officials of the Department for their contribution towards this outstanding achievement.
As a part of the celebration, a cultural programme by K.M. Music Conservatory, Chennai was organized. Their students and performers enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing music ensemble.
On this occasion, Pr. Chief Commissioner’s “Certificate of Merit” were awarded to the Officers & Officials of the Income Tax Department for promoting excellence in the field of Direct Taxation.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 198 kg crystal methamphetamine  and 9 kg cocaine
One of the biggest haul of amphetamine and cocaine in the country with drugs worth Rs 1,476 crore seized
In a meticulously planned and executed operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  recovered 198 kg high purity crystal methamphetamine  and 9 kg high purity Cocaine worth Rs. 1,476 crore on 01.10.2022 in Navi Mumbai. This is one of the biggest seizures of amphetamine and cocaine in the country.
Based on intelligence inputs surveillance was maintained for 10-12 days looking for consignment of fruits being cleared from some cold shortages. On 30th September evening, the team of DRI Mumbai officers intercepted a truck in Vashi, carrying imported Oranges. On thorough checking and examination large quantity of drugs were found concealed in the cartons carrying Valencia oranges. The said truck had left the PrabhuHira Ice & Cold Storage in Vashi with goods laden on it.
This is a new kind of modus operandi involving concealment of drugs in the boxes of “Valentia Oranges” imported from South Africa. After clearance of such oranges from Customs area, the goods used to get stored in some cold storages located in Vashi.
In this regard, the importer of the goods has been nabbed and is being interrogated. Further search operations for identifying and nabbing the people involved in running this chain of smuggling of drugs is on.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Centre releases guidelines for Signages on Expressways and National Highways to enhance Road Safety
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways  has issued new guidelines for the provision of signages on Expressways and National Highways. The fresh guidelines, approved by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari focus on further improving road safety by incorporating best practices and world standards to offer improved visibility and intuitive guidance to the drivers.
Road signages are essential components of road infrastructure as they provide vital information and instructions to drivers. Accordingly, MoRTH has reviewed the provision of signages as per relevant IRC codes & guidelines, existing practices prescribed in various international codes as well as information and functionality perspective to ensure better compliance of traffic regulations. The guidelines are designed to offer drivers clear and concise guidance, warnings, notices, and regulatory information, facilitating a seamless and safe journey on the roads.
Some of the salient features of the guidelines include:
- Enhanced Visibility and Legibility: Prioritise enhanced visibility of road signages through placement at appropriate height/ distance, large lettering, symbols and short legends for quick comprehension of drivers, ensuring crucial information is readily visible and understandable, even in adverse conditions.
- Pictorial Depictions for Intuitive Communication: Pictorial representations along with text to convey essential messages effectively, thus catering to a diverse group of road users, including those with limited literacy.
- Regional Languages: Endorse a multilingual approach on road signages, encompassing both English and regional languages, ensuring effective communication with diverse road users, promoting better understanding and adherence to traffic regulations.
- Focused Lane Discipline: Special attention has been given to promoting better lane discipline, through strategic positioning with clear and intuitive guidance to drivers, encouraging adherence to designated lanes and minimizing traffic congestion.
- Phased Implementation: In the initial phase, the guidelines will be implemented on all upcoming Highways, Expressways, and greenfield corridors. Additionally, Highways experiencing high traffic volume, with more than 20,000 Passenger Car Units , will also be prioritized for the implementation of these guidelines.
The guidelines, highlighting the Government's commitment for improving road safety standards across the country. With adoption of best practices and world standards, MoRTH aims to provide a safe and efficient travel experience for all road users, further advancing towards accident-free roads.
https://morth.gov.in/sites/default/files/circulars_document/Guidelines%20for%20provision%20of%20signages%20on%20Expressway%20and%20NHs%2020%20Jul%202023.pdf
MJPS/NKS
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah says Ram Temple Bhoomi Pujan in Ayodhya is a historic and proud day for India
Bhoomi Pujan and foundation stone laying ceremony of Grand Ram Temple by PM Modi has written a golden chapter in the history of great Indian culture & civilization and is the beginning of a new era
"I express my gratitude to PM Narendra Modi ji and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra for respecting the faith of billions of people by the performing Bhoomi Pujan of Ram temple"
"With the construction of Ram temple, the holy land of Ayodhya will once again rise up across the world with its full glory. Coming together of Dharma and Development will create job opportunities”
“The construction of the Grand Prabhu Shree Ram Mandir is a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s strong and decisive leadership”
My best wishes to all Indians on this unforgettable day. Modi government will always be committed to protect & preserve Indian culture and its values"
“I bow before all those who fought for the invaluable heritage of ‘Sanatana’ (Eternal D
The Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah has said that the Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a historic and proud day for India. In a series of tweets, Shri Amit Shah said Bhoomi Pujan and foundation stone laying ceremony of the Grand Ram Temple on the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji has written a golden chapter in the history of Indian culture & civilization and is the beginning of a new era.
Stating that the building of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been a symbol of faith for Hindus around the world for centuries, Shri Amit Shah said “I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Shree Ram Janmabhumi Teerth Kshetra for respecting the faith of billions of people by the performing Bhoomi Pujan of Ram temple.”
The Union Home Minister said “The ideals and thoughts of Prabhu Shri Ram live in the soul of India. His character and philosophy is the foundation of Indian culture. With the construction of Ram temple, the holy land of Ayodhya will once again rise up across the world with its full glory. Coming together of Dharma & Development will create job opportunities.”
Shri Amit Shah said, “Best wishes to all Indians on this unforgettable day. The construction of the Grand Prabhu Shree Ram Mandir is a reflection of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s strong and decisive leadership. Modi government will always be committed to protect & preserve Indian culture and its values."
Shri Amit Shah also said that “The construction of the Prabhu Shri Ram temple is the result of tireless & constant struggle and sacrifice of innumerable known and unknown Ram Bhakts for centuries. On this day, I bow before all those who fought for the invaluable heritage of ‘Sanatana’  culture for so many years. Jai Shri Ram!”
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Parhlad Singh Patel says,total amount of Centre’s Share of credit-linked subsidy provided under the Pradhan MantriFormalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises  Scheme is Rs.110.86 crore
Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Parhlad Singh Patel today said that the total amount of Centre’s Share of credit-linked subsidy provided under the Pradhan MantriFormalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises  Scheme is Rs.110.86 crore.
In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Shri Patel said that the average time taken to process the application by the States and the Banks is 81 days and for disbursal of subsidy, it is 30 days.
The Minister said that Capacity building and training is a critical component in technical upgradation and formalization of micro food processing enterprises which helps themin understanding the requirements for setting up / upgradation related to technology, quality and safety standards prescribed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India , Udyam Registration, Goods & Services Tax Registration,good hygiene practices, packaging,storage,procurement, newproducts developmentetc.including profitability of the micro enterprises.
The State-wise data of number of micro food processing units who availed this subsidy is at Annexure.
Annexure
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
State
|
|
No. of beneficiaries
|
|
1.
|
|
Andaman And Nicobar Islands
|
|
5
|
|
2.
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
382
|
|
3.
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
1
|
|
4.
|
|
Assam
|
|
124
|
|
5.
|
|
Bihar
|
|
2
|
|
6.
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
5
|
|
7.
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
39
|
|
8.
|
|
Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu
|
|
1
|
|
9.
|
|
Delhi
|
|
15
|
|
10.
|
|
Goa
|
|
8
|
|
11.
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
14
|
|
12.
|
|
Haryana
|
|
148
|
|
13.
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
526
|
|
14.
|
|
Jammu And Kashmir
|
|
46
|
|
15.
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
355
|
|
16.
|
|
Kerala
|
|
71
|
|
17.
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
6
|
|
18.
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
205
|
|
19.
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
900
|
|
20.
|
|
Manipur
|
|
67
|
|
21.
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
8
|
|
22.
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
8
|
|
23.
|
|
Odisha
|
|
138
|
|
24.
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
1
|
|
25.
|
|
Punjab
|
|
188
|
|
26.
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
98
|
|
27.
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
1
|
|
28.
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
737
|
|
29.
|
|
Telangana
|
|
156
|
|
30.
|
|
Tripura
|
|
8
|
|
31.
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
385
|
|
32.
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
4667
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Cabinet approves additional investment by ONGC Videsh Ltd. for development of blocks A-1 and A-3 Blocks of Myanmar
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved additional investment of US$ 121.27 million  by ONGC Videsh Ltd  towards further development of blocks A-1 and A-3 Blocks of Shwe oil & gas project in Myanmar.
ONGC Videsh Ltd.  has been associated with exploration and development of Shwe project in Myanmar since 2002, as part of consortium of companies from South Korea, India and Myanmar. The Indian PSU, GAIL, is also an investor in this project. OVL has invested US$ 722 million till 31st March 2019 in this project.
The first gas from the Shwe Project was received in July 2013 and plateau production was reached in December 2014. The Project has been generating positive cash flows since FY 2014-15.
The participation of Indian PSUs in oil & gas exploration and development projects in neighbouring countries is aligned with India's Act East Policy, and also part of India's efforts to develop Energy Bridges with its immediate neighbors.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
THREE-STAR GARBAGE FREE RATING
On the occasion of International Zero Waste Day 2023, MoHUA has set a target to make 1000 cities, 3-Star Garbage Free by October 2024. Moreover, Swachh Bharat Mission  2.0 has been launched on October 1, 2021 for a period of five years with a vision of achieving 100% Garbage Free Status for all cities through 100% source segregation, door to door collection and scientific management of all fractions of waste including safe disposal in scientific landfills. To encourage a competitive, mission-mode spirit among ULBs,this Ministry launched “Garbage Free Cities”  – Starratingprotocolto assess the City’s Municipal Solid Waste Management by 3rd party verification.
Sanitation is a State subject under 7thschedule of the constitution. It is the responsibility of State/ULBs to plan, design, execute, operate and maintain sanitation projects including Sewage Treatment Plants  in urban areas of the country. However, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  has been facilitating by providing additional financial and technical support.
For technical assistance to States/ULBs, MoHUA has brought out advisories covering all aspects of Solid Waste Management and Used Water Management  including planning, designing and operation and maintenancealong with regular capacity building interactions.
The progress made in management of garbage and sanitation by the States/ UTs under SBM-U is regularly assessed for which Standard Operating Protocols  have been developed for certification of ULBs as Open Defecation Free , ODF+, ODF++ and Star ratings of Garbage Free Cities  and also through ‘SwachhSurvekshan’. Monitoring of the progress of SBM-U in States/ UTs is done by periodical review and assessment by meetings, webinars, workshops etc and also through the dedicated SBM-U portal.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing And Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS NATIONAL PANCHAYAT AWARDS
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented National Panchayat Awards and inaugurated National Conference on Incentivization of Panchayats in New Delhi today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that despite the rapid urbanization over the past few decades, the majority of the population still lives in villages. Even those who live in cities are somehow connected to villages. The development of villages can lead to the overall progress of the country.
The President said that villagers should be able to decide what should be the model for the development of a village, and how it should be implemented. She said that Panchayats are not just a means of implementing government programs and initiatives, but also a place to encourage new leaders, planners, policy-makers, and innovators. By adopting the best practices of one Panchayat in other Panchayats, we can quickly develop and make our villages prosperous.
The President said that there is a provision for the election of Panchayat representatives, every five years, to ensure the participation of every section of society. However, it has been observed that these elections sometimes create bitterness among the people. Keeping in mind the need to avoid any mutual discord among the villagers due to the elections, Panchayat elections have been kept separate from political parties. She said that in a society where there is mutual cooperation and trust among people, flourishes more. She said that a village is an extension of family. All community work should be done with mutual agreement as much as possible.
The President said that for the holistic development of any society, the participation of women is very important. Women should have the right to make decisions for themselves, for their families and for the welfare of society. This right could be achieved through their empowerment at the family and village level. She was happy to note that out of more than 31.5 lakh elected representatives of local rural bodies 46 percent are women. She urged women to actively participate in the work of the Gram Panchayats. She also appealed to their families to support them in these efforts.
Click here to see President speech
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Reducing Dependence on Import of Oil
Government is making all efforts to reduce import dependence. India’s oil and oil equivalent gas import dependence in 2014-15 and 2015-16 were 68.9% and 72.2% respectively and during current April-January, 2020-21 is 77.1%.
The year wise details of crude oil imported and details of imports of crude oil as percentage of total crude oil processing are as below:
|
|
|
|
2015-16
|
|
2016-17
|
|
2017-18
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21  
|
|
Crude oil import 
|
|
202.9
|
|
213.9
|
|
220.4
|
|
226.5
|
|
227.0
|
|
162.8
|
|
Crude oil processed 
|
|
232.9
|
|
245.4
|
|
251.9
|
|
257.2
|
|
254.4
|
|
182.2
|
|
Percentage of crude oil import out of total crude oil processed 
|
|
87.1
|
|
87.2
|
|
87.5
|
|
88.1
|
|
89.2
|
|
89.4
P: Provisional
Trends of the crude oil produced domestically and Pre-NELP blocks is as below:
|
|
|
||
|
2015-16
|
|
2016-17
|
|
2017-18
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20
|
|
Pre-NELP Blocks 
|
|
9.0
|
|
8.6
|
|
8.3
|
|
8.4
|
|
7.3
|
|
Country's Production 
|
|
36.9
|
|
36.0
|
|
35.7
|
|
34.2
|
|
32.2
|
|
Pre-NELP Blocks % Contribution
|
|
24.4%
|
|
23.8%
|
|
23.3%
|
|
24.7%
|
|
22.6%
Oil Industry Development Cess at the rate of 20% ad valorem is applicable on crude oils produced from pre-NELP blocks and at present, there is no such proposal to amend the rate of cess.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has taken several steps inter alia promotion of renewable and alternate fuels like ethanol, second generation ethanol, compressed bio gas and biodiesel, promotion of natural gas as clean fuel/feedstock in the country with a view to move towards a gas based economy, refinery process improvements, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, efforts for increasing production of oil and natural gas through various policies under Production Sharing Contract  regime, Discovered Small Field Policy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, Setting up of National Data Repository, etc. Government has also provided functional freedom to National Oil Companies and wider private sector participation by streamlining approval processes including electronic single window mechanism. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is also working in collaboration with various Central Government Ministries/stakeholders to make efforts to achieve reduction in import dependency on oil.
Exploration of Oil and gas in the country are taking place under:
- Nomination Regime – by ONGC and OIL
- PSC/RSC Regime – by Indian & Foreign Companies & JVs, including PSUs
At present, Exploration and Production activities are taking place ~2,75,000 sq.km area across different sedimentary basins across India in onshore and offshore areas under Nomination, PSC and RSC Regimes.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM shares thread on growth of the Northeast
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today shared a thread on the growth of the Northeast region in the last 9 years.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"An interesting thread on the transformation taking place in the Northeast, which is also helping the region realise its full potential."